Mexican President Vicente Fox on Thursday praised the estimated 18,000 Japanese-Mexicans in his country, saying they have helped make all Mexicans' lives richer.
"Japanese-Mexicans are hard working and have a strong sense of will," Fox said at a ceremony in the capital marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Japanese Mexican Association. "Our lives have become richer thanks to the people who have crossed the Pacific."
Fox also welcomed closer ties between Japan and Mexico.